Basal Cell Carcinoma Treatment

The most common skin cancer in Portland is Basal Cell Carcinoma, which is a curable skin cancer. Basal cell skin cancer makes up around 75% of all skin cancers. Basal cell skin cancers are the result of sun damage to the skin. Ultraviolet light damages the skin cells, causing their growth to be disturbed. A basal cell cancer begins as a small spot that grows slowly and relentlessly until treated. 80% of basal cell skin cancers are on the head and neck. Basal cell cancers enlarge slowly. They may look like a pimple initially but they do not resolve after a few weeks. So, a growth that looks like a pimple that does not go away after 2-3 months may be an early basal cell skin cancer.

Basal cell carcinoma does not spread to distant parts of the body. A biopsy and microscopic examination is necessary to determine whether a growth is cancerous or basal cell cancer.

Basal cell cancer are most common on the face. They are practically never found in areas protected from the sun by clothing. Fair skinned people are more prone to skin cancer than darker persons, since skin pigmentation protects the skin. But, cumulative exposure to the sun will increase the risk to even a darker person of developing a basal cell skin cancer. The use of tanning beds has increased the risk of basal cell skin cancer in younger individuals.

Basal Cell Carcinoma Treatment

Basal cell cancers are best treated early, when they are small, since it is simpler to remove a small growth than a large one. Surgical removal of basal cell cancer is almost 100% curative. Very rarely, a cancer will grow back. The surgery site should be re checked in the first three months and then periodically for the next five years. Creams such as IMIQUIMOD have also been shown to be effective in the treatment of basal cell skin cancer.

Basal Cell Carcinoma Prevention

The skin damaging effects of sunlight is permanent and builds up slowly over time. Ordinary sun exposure and sun bathing produce gradual skin damage even if sunburn is avoided. As many as 10, 20 or even 30 years can pass between the time of sun exposure and the time the skin shows signs of sun damage. You can prevent any further skin injury TODAY by using sun protective measures: sunscreen daily, hats, sun protective clothing and shade! Be reasonable about sun protection.

With the passage of time, skin cancer patients in Portland are likely to develop additional skin cancers. If you notice a new growth or a sore that doesn’t heal or keeps coming, be sure to have it examined.